Bitter Christmas is a film within a film and it is Pedro Almodóvar’s most personal film to date. An overly complicated, slightly vague and beautifully filmed drama,it features some serious introspection by an aging Spanish film maker Raul (Leonardo Sbaraglia) as he searches for inspiration for a new hit film from the life crisis of previous assistant Monica ( Ariana Sánchez-Gijón) who quite rightly takes exception to the poaching of her misfortunate stories.
Almodóvar is clearly exploring the morality of his cinematic character choices, his relationship with a much younger partner and the loyalty with his friends. The film also alludes to his sometimes fragile mental health, his panic attacks and his use of alcohol and drugs, albeit mostly explored through other characters. He also plays homage to the women in his life, his mother, his colleagues and his friends, but the final defiant statement of publish and be damned,makes me wonder just how many friends did he upset so far ?
I treated myself to a nice supper in the Storyhouse
And texted my friend John for a film post mortem
Think I'd skip a film with the title "Bitter Christmas" as that sounds dismal from the get-go but your dinner looks scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteWhat did your friend John have to say about the film? Inquiring minds, you know.
Hugs!
He loved it….but he’s an aging writer himself
DeleteI don't think exploiting a friend's misfortune would ever end well, but it's an interesting concept. I wonder how many people would do that?
ReplyDeleteYour supper looks delicious. xx
One character asked the writer to take out her story , she said what was left would make the Netflix audience happy …..interesting
DeleteYou spend most of your time alone John !
ReplyDeleteMust be a sad life
DeleteHow wrong you are, Anon x 2. John has fur family, actual family, friends by the thousands (I include us), a fulfilling career with hundreds of co-workers who keep in touch and a new career helping others. Can you say the same?
DeleteAlmodóvar is genius.
ReplyDeleteI really want to see this but it’ll probably have limited release here and I’d have to go to Chi to see it. Pedro has always explored topics that other people shy away from. His last movies have been very introspective. It’s a good progression from Tacones Lejanos or even Todo Sobre Mi Madre.
XOXO
I've always enjoyed Almodóvar mostly because you never know what you're going to get.
ReplyDeleteoh goodness - one of the problems living off the beaten track in an outpost of empire is the lack of easy access to knowing much about foreign films - 30 years ago it was a different story. So glad that you also have people that you can discuss observations on your films with. That food does look truly delicious.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed most of Almodóvar's work so I will look for this one. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDelete